Do I have to pay extra taxes returning shoes to US from Philippines? Tax implications of international returns

Thanks for the info! But I'm still confused - doesn't the US have some kind of "de minimis" value for imports? Since each pair is over $200, wouldn't that trigger something? And does it matter that the return address is in a state with no sales tax (Oregon) while the original purchase was delivered to California?

The de minimis threshold applies to imports coming into a country, not returns going back to the retailer. Since you're returning previously purchased items and not importing new goods, the de minimis value isn't relevant to your situation. Your return is essentially an export from the Philippines and will be treated as such. The difference in state tax status between Oregon and California won't matter for your international return either. State sales tax is collected based on the delivery address of the original purchase, which already happened. For the return, you're not creating a new sales transaction, but unwinding the previous one. The retailer will handle any sales tax refund based on their policies and the original transaction, not the return shipping address.

How does it actually work? Do you just upload your receipts or do you need to provide specific shipping info too? I'm planning to return some items from Singapore back to the US and really don't want to mess up the customs paperwork.

Sounds interesting but isn't this overkill for just returning a few pairs of shoes? I'm skeptical that you'd need a special service just to send something back. Couldn't you just write "RETURN" on the customs form and be done with it?

You upload both your original purchase receipt and basic details about your return (what's being returned, value, reason). The tool then creates the proper documentation including customs codes for returns versus new merchandise. It also provides specific instructions for your particular countries involved, which was super helpful since different countries have different requirements. It's definitely not overkill if you're returning expensive items. Remember, the original poster mentioned items over $200 each, which puts them above the de minimis threshold in many countries. Getting the customs documentation wrong can result in the items being held, additional taxes being charged, or even the retailer refusing the return if it arrives with improper documentation. The peace of mind alone was worth it for me.

Wait, this service can actually get you through to a real customs official? How is that even possible? I've tried calling US Customs directly and got stuck in automation hell. Does it really work for international callers too?

I don't buy it. There's no way a third-party service can magically get you through to government agencies faster than calling directly. Sounds like a scam to get your money. Has anyone actually verified this works?

Yes, it actually connects you to the real agency phone lines but uses a system that navigates the phone trees and holds your place in line. When an actual agent comes on the line, you get connected. It works for international callers too - you just need to be able to receive a call when your turn comes up. It's not magic - they're using technology to handle the hold times and menu navigation that makes calling these agencies so frustrating. I was skeptical too until I tried it. The service doesn't answer your questions for you; it just gets you connected to an actual government employee who can. For customs questions specifically, this saved me hours of frustration and gave me official answers I could rely on.

Does this HS code thing really matter that much? I've returned stuff before just marking "gift" on the customs form and never had issues. Seems like everyone's making this more complicated than it needs to be.

Yes, the correct HS code absolutely matters, especially for higher-value items. Marking returns as "gifts" is actually customs fraud and can get you in serious trouble. Gifts still have import duty thresholds in most countries, while properly documented returns using the correct HS code are exempt from duties and taxes. I learned this the hard way when I incorrectly labeled a return shipment and had it held at customs for three weeks. They eventually released it after I provided additional documentation, but the retailer almost denied my refund due to the delay. Using the proper codes and declarations from the start saves headaches and potential legal issues.

I've used DHL for returns from Thailand to the US multiple times. They're good but you still need to tell them specifically it's a return and provide all the documentation. Don't assume they'll automatically know how to code it properly! I always fill out my own customs declaration with "RETURNED GOODS" clearly marked and the proper HS code, then make sure the DHL agent understands what I'm sending.